How to See Deleted Messages on Facebook Messenger

Facebook's long reign as the world's most dominant social media giant has arguably continued. Their recent exploit is the drive to be one of the front runners in the metaverse. Looking back at their previous intention, we cannot overlook the Messenger app.

Before we had WhatsApp and Telegram competing as the most used chat apps globally, we had Facebook Messenger and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM). Unlike BBM, many users are still active on the Facebook Messenger app. However, users face the challenge of recovering information when a message is deleted. Therefore, this article has been put together to show you how to see deleted messages on Messenger.

Method 1. Check If the Message Was Archived

Archiving a message is a popular feature when protecting a conversation from prying eyes. The feature keeps the chat away from your inbox. Hence, the chat is hidden until the next time you chat with the contact. Many users mistakenly archive their chat and think it has been deleted. The processes for retrieving achieve from the mobile Messenger app and computer are different.

1Mobile

Step 1. Click on your profile photo at the top left corner of your Messenger screen.

Step 2. You will see a list of Messenger options; click on Archived Chats.

Step 3. You will see a list of all the chats you have archived; swipe left on it.

Step 4. You will see an option to Unarchive; click on it, and your chat will be restored toyour inbox.

2Computer

Step 1. Click on three horizontal dots at the top left corner of your Messenger screen.

Step 2. You will see a list of Messenger options; click on Archived Chats.

Step 3. You will see a list of all the chats you have archived; click on the three horizontal dots in front of the chat.

Step 4. You will see an option to Unarchive; click on it, and your chat will be restored to your inbox.

Method 2. Download Your Data from Facebook Setting

You can download your data through Facebook's Download Your Information feature. This feature allows you access to your data in a ZIP file. It will contain the deleted Messenger message depending on when you created the file.

Step 1. Click on your Account icon at the top right corner of your Facebook homepage.

Step 2. You will see a drop-down list; click Settings & privacy on the list.

Step 3. Again, you will see another list; click on Settings.

Step 4. On the Settings page, click on Your Facebook information on the left panel.

Step 5. Click on the View button in front of Download your information.

Step 6. You will see a long array of data; you can unselect the ones you do not want.

Pick the HTML file format and the media quality you want and set a range.

Step 7. At the bottom of the page, tap the Request a download button.

Step 8. Click on Create File to confirm the download request.

Step 9. At the top of the screen, click on Available files beside Request a download.

Step 10. Download the data available there.

Step 11. On your computer, unpack/unzip the file and check for your deleted messages.

Method 3. Locate the Message from Cache Files (Android)

Android phones store multiple copies of data and files in temporary storage or location called cache so they can access these copies swiftly. Hence, using Facebook Messenger on an Android phone has the advantage of keeping a failsafe file of your chat for you. Through this file, you can see deleted messages on Messenger.

Step 1. Open the file manager app on your device. If you do not have it installed, you can download one from the Google Play Store.

Step 2. Follow this path on your phone: Internal Storage → Android → data → com.facebook.ocra → cache → fb_temp.

Step 3. You will find your recent messages, including the one deleted.

Method 4. See the Message from Synced Notifications

If you have synced your phone or kid's phone with a third-party app, you can see the message deleted from Messenger. AirDroid Parental Control is an example of an app you can use tosee deleted Facebook Messenger chats.

It has a feature toget a notification once you get a message on your Messenger app. Hence, even if the message has been deleted, you can still see the message in the notification section.

This app has many other benefits, which are listed below.

Bonus: How to Back up Messenger Messages

To see your deleted messages on Facebook messenger, you back it up. However, the backup only works for current messages. Hence, you have to back up before a message is deleted.

Step 1. Click on your Account icon at the top right corner of your Facebook homepage.

Step 2. You will see a drop-down list; click Settings & privacy on the list.

Step 3. Again, you will see another list; click on Settings.

Step 4. On the Settings page, navigate to Notifications and click it.

Step 5. Head to the bottom of the page and pick Email.

Step 6. Complete the process by clicking on All notifications, except the ones you turn off.

Wrapping Up

Facebook Messenger may be an indigenous tool, but its relevance is undeniable. Hence, deleting a message on the app can be frustrating for the user. Gigabytes of essential data are shared via the messaging app. Hence, users need to know how to see deleted messages on Messenger.

This article has identified four main methods to use. These methods are checking if the message was archived, downloading the data from the Facebook setting, locating the message from cache files, and using our third-party app, AirDroid Parental Control.

Hottest Question Related to Deleted Messenger Messages

Q 1. Are deleted Messenger Messages Gone Forever?

Elsa

According to Facebook Messenger's official policy, a deleted message or chat is permanently deleted. It is advised toback up your chat toprevent deleting something valuable by mistake. The steps todo so are shown in the bonus section above.

Q 2. How to Know if Someone Deleted Messages on Messenger?

Elsa

You cannot tell if someone deletes the messages on their Messenger. Your message will not be affected or deleted, nor will you be notified of what has happened. And if the case is reversed, you can request your deleted chat from the other person tosee your lost messages.

Q 3. Can the Other Person See Deleted Messages on Messenger?

Elsa

No, the other person cannot see deleted messages on Messenger. However, you can use the Unsend feature.

Q 4. Can You View a Removed Message on Messenger?

Elsa

If you are in a chat room and select Unsend for You when you want toremove a message, other people in the forum will still see the message. However, if you select Unsend for Everyone, no one will be able tosee the message.